A beer first brewed to raise money to help communities affected by the floods in north Norfolk is set to be showcased at the Great British beer festival.

The biggest beer festival in the country takes place at Olympia, in London, from August 8 to 12.

However, while the team at the Hindringham-based brewery is immensely proud to be selected, it may never have happened, as the Gold IPA was originally a one-off charity creation.

David Holliday, of the Norfolk Brewhouse, said: “The history of this particular beer starts four years ago at the City of Ale festival in Norwich, when, following the severe flooding in North Norfolk, the brewery was asked to produce a charity beer.

“As a new brewer, which we were at the time, every opportunity which comes along like this fills you with pride and enthusiasm. So, with no hesitation, I was quick to say ‘No probs, would love to’.”

The brewery came up with a plan to create a memorable IPA, a strong hoppy ale, and the City of Ale ran a competition to name the ale through the EDP’s sister paper, the Evening News, with the selected name aptly called Tidal Gold, to recognise the impact on those local communities that suffered from the floods.”

The beer, which uses Norfolk Maris Otter barley, as well as five American hops, is now permanently available from the brewery.

Mr Holliday added: “It was supposed to be a one-off charity brew, but it is one which we are immensely proud of, as it was such a hit and was voted best beer of the City of Ale festival, so it was added to our list of permanent ales, although we did change the name to Gold IPA.”

The brewery hopes to create another IPA to launch in the summer and Mr Holliday added: “It is certainly a beer style which is back in fashion amongst craft beer lovers and breweries.”

Is one of your beers set to feature at a national festival? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk